Seminar Looks at Future of Higher Ed

Higher education is a future-oriented business – educating and preparing the leaders of tomorrow. But what is the future for colleges and universities themselves? In an economy that increasingly rewards knowledge and expertise, the need to cultivate and grow a competitive, skilled and educated workforce is more vital than ever. Yet the way we do this and the way we pay for it has come under the microscope in recent years. This year’s Economic Outlook Seminar examines the question of how Montana’s higher education system returns value to all of us who live and work here.

The keynote – The Future of Higher Education in Montana – will be presented by Robert Nystuen, vice chair of the Montana University Board of Regents. He is president at Glacier Bank in Kalispell and a resident of Lakeside. In 2015, he was appointed by Governor Steve Bullock to the board of regents, which is responsible for the Montana University System. His selection for the board of regents reflects the strong connection between Montana’s higher education system and the business community, “a relationship that is increasingly vital in the modern economic landscape,” according to Nystuen.
This half-day seminar and luncheon will highlight the latest economic trends for local, state, and national economies. BBER economists Patrick Barkey and Paul Polzin will present economic forecasts for each seminar city and industry specialists will provide an outlook for Montana’s important sectors: nonresident travel, health care, real estate and housing, agriculture, manufacturing, forest products and energy.
The 43rd Annual Montana Economic Outlook Seminar will travel to nine cities across the state. It will be held in Billings on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 8 am -1 pm at the DoubleTree.
The Bureau of Business and Economic Research has been providing information about Montana’s state and local economies for nearly 70 years. Located at the University of Montana, the bureau is the research and public service branch of the College of Business.
On an ongoing basis, the bureau analyzes local, state and national economies; provides annual income, employment and population forecasts; conducts research on manufacturing, forest products, health care and survey research at its on-site call center. It publishes the award-winning Montana Business Quarterly and presents its annual economic outlook seminars in cities throughout Montana each year.
For more information go to: www. bber-secure. umt.edu/ Register2018.asp

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The Big Sky Business Journal is a locally owned bi-weekly news publication located in Billings, Montana. It was started by Dennis and Evelyn Pyburn in 1982, making it the first business publication in the state. It is the only independent business publication (not associated with daily newspapers) in the Montana.